Blasters Winning Streak Ends in Lincoln
September 1, 2015 - American Association (AA)
Joplin Blasters News Release
Lincoln, NE-The Blasters five-game winning streak came to a close in Lincoln with an 8-1 series-opening loss to the Saltdogs Tuesday night at Haymarket Park.
Joplin (51-42) failed for a third time this season to stretch their winning streak to six. Lincoln (34-60) made it two straight victories with their first home win over the Blasters this season. Joplin still leads the season series 7-to-3.
The Saltdogs jumped on Joplin early with a two-spot in the first. Matt Forgatch led off the frame with a double off the wall in left. Curt Smith and C.J. Ziegler posted back-to-back doubles to give Lincoln a 2-0 lead. The Saltdogs made it 3-0 with another double in the second from Aaron Payne that scored Jeremy Hamilton. Hamilton had singled with one out to reach base.
Lincoln put the game away in the fourth. Brian Joynt led off with a solo home run deep to left for a 4-0 cushion. With two outs, Aaron Payne was hit by a pitch. Curt Smith walked. C.J. Ziegler then clubbed his fifth home run of the season deep to left for a 7-0 advantage. The Saltdogs tacked on a Mike Gilmartin solo home run in the fifth for their final run. It was Gilmartin's second dinger of the season. In the top of the 9th, Maikol Gonzalez homered up the left field line for Joplin's lone run of the game. It was Gonzalez's eighth homer.
Saltdogs rookie right-hander Casey Collins notched his second complete game victory of the season. Collins (2-2) yielded just one earned run on two hits with five strikeouts and only one walk. Nestor Molina suffered the loss for Joplin. Molina (7-5) lasted just four innings and gave up seven earned runs on eight hits with one strikeout and two walks. Lincoln outhit Joplin 10-to-2 and smacked three home runs. C.J. Ziegler went 2-for-2 with a homer, four RBIs, and a run. Brian Joynt also collected two hits with a homer. Curt Smith had one hit, one RBI, and two runs. The two hits were the fewest for the Blasters in a nine-inning game this season.
Joplin remains on the road in Lincoln for game two of four against the Saltdogs Wednesday morning. First pitch is set for 11:05. For 2016 ticket information and promotion specials at Joe Becker Stadium, call 417-622-4838 or visit the Blasters website at www.joplinblasters.com.
American Association Stories from September 1, 2015
- Saints Set Franchise Record for Runs in Season in 6-2 Victory - St. Paul Saints
- Smith Spins a Gem, But Goldeyes Shutout - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- Blasters Winning Streak Ends in Lincoln - Joplin Blasters
- Collins Carves, Bats Bark in 'Dogs Blowout - Lincoln Saltdogs
- Muren Named League Player of the Month - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
- Wort Honored with Pitcher of the Month - AA
- Muren's August Surge Lands Him Player of the Month - AA
- Saints Want Your Brains, Part of a Complete Breakfast, at CHS Field from September 1-7 - St. Paul Saints
- Goldeyes Drop Series to RedHawks - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- T-Bones Get Walk-Off Win in 12 - Kansas City Monarchs
- American Association Game Recaps - AA
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
